Job Summary

We are seeking a postdoctoral research fellow to join our team and lead a research project to advance knowledge of disease mechanisms in juvenile myositis and lupus. Our lab is focused on translational research in Pediatric Rheumatology and applies molecular and bioinformatic approaches to analysis of patient biosamples in a well-phenotyped cohort of juvenile myositis and lupus patients.  

Current ongoing research in the lab includes (1) leveraging tape stripping to study autoimmune skin disease, (2) implementing endothelial cell assays to understand vasculopathy, (3) defining transcriptomic and proteomic signatures of treatment response, (4) comparing molecular and bioinformatic signatures between juvenile myositis and lupus and (5) generating a single-cell, spatially resolved atlas across affected tissues in juvenile myositis. 

Candidates are encouraged to apply if they are highly motivated to develop an independent project and career trajectory, learn new skills and advance care for children with autoimmune disease. 

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally.  Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world's most distinguished academic health systems.  In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings

Responsibilities*

• Design and troubleshoot experimental approaches with the help of the lab PI; eventual independence in these aspects would be expected
• Conduct lab-based research on patient and control samples or design computational approaches to analysis of patient-oriented bioinformatic datasets
• Mentor other lab members in techniques and the scientific method
• Prepare data reports for weekly meeting with PI and monthly reports for weekly lab meeting
• Attend relevant lecture series, research conferences and journal clubs
• Assemble figures for and write manuscripts for publication

Required Qualifications*

Successful candidates must hold a PhD in immunology, molecular basis of disease, computational biology, bioinformatics or equivalent. Applicants with an MD and appropriate skill sets would also be considered. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

The applicant is expected to be well-versed in either molecular biology and immunological techniques or have experience in analysis of bioinformatic datasets. Successful candidates should be able to develop methodologies for incorporation of new techniques into their work. Skills including flow cytometry, molecular cloning, cell culture, RNA isolation, Western blotting, transfection, and advanced microscopy are desired.

This position will be financially supported by a federally funded institutional National Research Service Award (NRSA T32).  Successful candidates will need to meet the eligibility criteria for T32 appointee (U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in a research or clinical doctoral or postdoctoral program) as established by the National Institutes of Health.  

General information regarding T32 can be found on the NIH website: https://researchtraining.nih.gov/programs/training-grants/T32-a

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings.  Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.